GM will use a flexible-production plant in Oshawa, Ontario, to produce current-generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 pickup trucks while the 2019 models will be produced at Michigan, Indiana and Mexico plants.

According to Automotive News (subscription required), the strategy will allow the plant in Canada to build up to 60,000 pickups a year as long as demand stays strong. The strategy is similar to the approach Ram is taking with its upcoming 2019 Ram 1500. It will produce current-generation half tons in one plant (most likely value-driven regular-cab work trucks) while the next-generation Ram will be produced at a new facility (mostly likely higher-priced Quad- and crew-cab models).

Interestingly, some sources see the Ram strategy as a direct attack on GM's twin half tons with a goal of bumping GM from its No. 2 slot in the pickup sales rankings. Whether this counter-measure from GM will be enough to keep the Silverado sales numbers above Ram's numbers for 2018 remains to be seen, but it does position the automaker quite well for increased production. If GM decides to discount current-gen models, that could look attractive to both fleet and small business buyers. Next year will be interesting to watch.

"According to Automotive News (subscription required), the strategy will allow the plant in Canada to build up to 60,000 pickups a year as long as demand stays strong"

"Interestingly, some sources see the Ram strategy as a direct attack on GM's twin half tons with a goal of bumping GM from its No. 2 slot in the pickup sales rankings."

First, in order for demand to stay strong, it has to be strong. That is not the case with the current Silverado. The 2019? Time will tell. It definitely looks better than GM's current box of boxes theme. Second, Ram will take second in full size sales by the end of 2019.

Posted by: 2.7EcoBoostRoost | Dec 28, 2017 8:03:55 AM

The battle between these 2 for 2nd and 2rd place has gotten more interesting.

Posted by: Clint | Dec 28, 2017 9:53:15 AM

First, in order for demand to stay strong, it has to be strong. That is not the case ...
Posted by: 2.7EcoBoostRoost | Dec 28, 2017

@2.7Ecoboost

I don't know which rock you've been living under but consumer
demand is presently higher than it's been in at least ten years.

Experts presently expect 2018 demand figures to be very solid for all durable goods, especially Detroit brands of pickups in the next 12 months unless there's a natural catastrophe or a new global war of some kind.

Posted by: papajim | Dec 28, 2017 9:53:40 AM

MAGA BABY... MAGA.

Posted by: Dudlydooright | Dec 28, 2017 10:08:40 AM

I don't know which rock you've been living under but consumer
demand is presently higher than it's been in at least ten years.

----

Haha. Not for GM, fanboyjim.

Silverado -.5% YTD
Sierra -3.5% YTD

Posted by: Trucker | Dec 28, 2017 10:38:56 AM

I can see strong demand for the 2019 Silvy a year from now due to the very different look from past models.
I haven't seen the 2019 Sierra yet but, ditto.

Meanwhile, I'm seeing $15K off MSRP here for the current model. That should bode well for 2018 sales they might have waved off with the early reveal of '19's. That wasn't a security leak. Early rollout?

With all the "square-rounder's" here, could we see them changing brands since their main gripe has been fixed?
Nah. Petty stuff seems to keep them firmly grounded on the soapbox. Stand by.

Posted by: Stevadore | Dec 28, 2017 12:20:59 PM

They should be labeled foreign made imports...

Posted by: oxi | Dec 28, 2017 12:23:40 PM

Junk nothing but junk .

Posted by: Chingon | Dec 28, 2017 12:31:51 PM

Junk nothing but junk .

Posted by: Chingon | Dec 28, 2017 12:31:51 PM

This sales strategy isn't something new, however, I can't remember when 2 different manufacturers has applied it simultaneously. This will allow both RAM and GM to offer current gen lower trim models to fleet and rental companies all while introducing class leading designs and technologies with in their all new models in 2018. Of course, the real loser here will be Ford having to defend their fleet business and compete with the 2, oldest on the market, truck platforms against their competitors.

Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Dec 28, 2017 1:05:55 PM

I don't know which rock you've been living under but consumer
demand is presently higher than it's been in at least ten years.

----

Haha. Not for GM, fanboyjim.

Silverado -.5% YTD
Sierra -3.5% YTD

Posted by: Trucker | Dec 28, 2017 10:38:56 AM

That rock Papa. I never said overall demand was down, in fact, looking at all of the full size trucks except GM's and it is up with Ford leading the way with a whopping 10.1% YTD gain thru November. I specifically said Silverado demand was down, this despite GM clamoring to the fact they have made gains in commercial fleet sales for like 16 straight months. It's okay, you guys get all hurt and spin things because of sales. Who cares? If you buy GM products and consider them superior based on your ownership, that's all that should matter. GMS started suggesting Chevy make a Malibu "Silverado" edition to claim the sales crown.....geez.

Posted by: 2.7EcoBoostRoost | Dec 28, 2017 1:26:43 PM

Haha. Not for GM, fanboyjim.

Silverado -.5% YTD
Sierra -3.5% YTD

Posted by: Trucker | Dec 28, 2017 10:38:56 AM

That rock Papa.

Posted by: 2.7EcoBoostRoost | Dec 28, 2017 1:26:43 PM

And that's on top of losses from last year. Hahaha.

Posted by: Trucker | Dec 28, 2017 1:44:08 PM

Haha. Not for GM. Posted by: Trucker | Dec 28, 2017

Trucker may want to hold his laughter until early January when the YTD and year end numbers are available. GM will sell the most trucks (again) in 2017.

Posted by: papajim | Dec 28, 2017 3:23:44 PM

That rock Papa. I never said overall demand was down, in fact, looking at all of the full size trucks except GM's and it is up with Ford leading the way with a whopping 10.1% YTD
Posted by: 2.7EcoBoostRoost | Dec 28, 2017 1:26:43 PM

For is also thing big money on the hood and selling to fleets/rentals like crazy. GM however is not! GM and Rams numbers relie on more retail sales. Ford is junk and doing everything they can to keep second place in trucks sales. To bad they will be passed by Ram to duke it out with GM in 1st place.

I never said overall demand was down, in fact, looking at all of the full size trucks except GM's and it is up with Ford leading the way with a whopping 10.1% YTD gain thru November. I specifically said Silverado demand was down, this despite GM clamoring to the fact they have made gains in commercial fleet sales for like 16 straight months.
Posted by: 2.7EcoBoostRoost | Dec 28, 2017 1:26:43 PM

Of course Ford's overall truck sales are up. They have the newest half-ton on the market and finally replaced the ancient Superduty.

The sales performance of Ford's all-new line isn't all that impressive when looking at the big picture. They're pushing $12k off incentives on brand new F-150's despite having the newest half-ton on the market and spending billions of dollars in aluminum bodies and "innovations". Their competition is comprised of a face-lifted GMT900 from 2007, a Ram 1500 that has only had minor changes since 2009, an ancient gas guzzling Tundra from 2007, and a miserable poor-selling Titan. Ford should be obliterating the competition yet their median transaction prices are terrible for a truck that can be loaded up to nearly $80k in the top trim and a Raptor that starts at over $50k and can easily hit $75k. The old steel-bodied GMC Sierra 1500 averaged $5k more per transaction. The Silverado 1500 has been within $1000 most of the year. What happened to those glorious transaction prices the F-150 was supposedly bringing in? Why is my local dealer throwing $12k cash on the hood of their aluminum wonder truck?

Posted by: Franklin | Dec 28, 2017 8:55:54 PM

The sales performance of Ford's all-new line isn't all that impressive when looking at the big picture. They're pushing $12k off incentives on brand new F-150's despite having the newest half-ton on the market and spending billions of dollars in aluminum bodies and "innovations". Their competition is comprised of a face-lifted GMT900 from 2007, a Ram 1500 that has only had minor changes since 2009, an ancient gas guzzling Tundra from 2007, and a miserable poor-selling Titan. Ford should be obliterating the competition yet their median transaction prices are terrible for a truck that can be loaded up to nearly $80k in the top trim and a Raptor that starts at over $50k and can easily hit $75k. The old steel-bodied GMC Sierra 1500 averaged $5k more per transaction. The Silverado 1500 has been within $1000 most of the year. What happened to those glorious transaction prices the F-150 was supposedly bringing in? Why is my local dealer throwing $12k cash on the hood of their aluminum wonder truck?

Posted by: Franklin | Dec 28, 2017 8:55:54 PM

The 2016 SuperDuty was the most dated heavy duty truck yet it out sold Ram and GM. Why? How? Using your logic here, please explain. It should have got killed right? Come on, throw in the fleet sales argument even though GM is bragging about consecutive fleet gains. If GM is gaining fleet sales but losing overall sales, well, do that math smart guy. Median price doesn't mean a whole lot. GMC sells like 10 trucks a week and they are high end trim trucks, Denali etc. They should have the highest sale price. Ford sells a lot of XL F-150 and Superduty trucks at low profit, but balance it with high end high profit trucks. A local dealer throwing $12,000 on the hood? There's not a high volume dealer of any domestic brand not doing that. They will gladly take the $2,000 or so per truck. Dealers giving deals is a lot different than manufacturer rebates which Silverado has had the highest rebates all year. BTW, it still has not translated to sales. Maybe it's the shake? Maybe it's the hideous front end? IDK?

Posted by: 2.7EcoBoostRoost | Dec 28, 2017 9:21:19 PM

The 2016 SuperDuty was the most dated heavy duty truck yet it out sold Ram and GM. Why? How? Using your logic here, please explain.

Posted by: 2.7EcoBoostRoost | Dec 28, 2017 9:21:19 PM

Because its design is aimed entirely at the fleet market. Ford stuck with that flimsy C channel frame not because "you want the chassis to flex" as the Ford apologists love to claim, but because it made things really easy for the aftermarket upfitters.

The half-ton market is a totally different landscape compared to the 3/4 and 1-ton market. Different buyers, different needs.

-------------------------------------------------

Come on, throw in the fleet sales argument even though GM is bragging about consecutive fleet gains. If GM is gaining fleet sales but losing overall sales, well, do that math smart guy.

-------------------------------------------------

Median price doesn't mean a whole lot. GMC sells like 10 trucks a week and they are high end trim trucks, Denali etc. They should have the highest sale price.
Posted by: 2.7EcoBoostRoost | Dec 28, 2017 9:21:19 PM

Median truck price means a lot. The difference in cost to build a GMC Sierra 1500 Denali compared to a Chevy Silverado 1500 is pretty small. They share the same chassis, suspension components, engines, transmissions, transfer cases, electrical systems, brakes, etc. If your median price is $5-6k more for essentially a Chevy with a nicer interior, and you're selling nearly 200k of them a year, that's a great way to boost profit margins.

-------------------------------------------------
Ford sells a lot of XL F-150 and Superduty trucks at low profit, but balance it with high end high profit trucks.

Posted by: 2.7EcoBoostRoost | Dec 28, 2017 9:21:19 PM

And it's painfully obvious that between the massive fleet sales and need to push big incentives to compete with GM, Ford has diluted whatever margins they would have had selling $75k F-150's. For the last 3 years, you Ford girls have been bragging up the transaction prices Ford was going to get because the all-new aluminum wonder truck was going command more money because it was so innovative. It's very clear that customers don't want to pay that premium for gimmicks. If they did, Ford wouldn't be putting $12k on the hood of a 2018 F-150.

A local dealer throwing $12,000 on the hood? There's not a high volume dealer of any domestic brand not doing that. They will gladly take the $2,000 or so per truck.

Posted by: 2.7EcoBoostRoost | Dec 28, 2017 9:21:19 PM

That's the market telling Ford that they aren't interested in unreliable, timing chain-eating Ecoboosts with its junk plastic 4x4 hubs and a body made of paper thin aluminum foil. Perhaps potential buyers are seeing the terrible fit and finish rolling off the assembly line at Ford. Wavy body panels, missing paint, runs in the paint, doors that don't seal up, misaligned body panels, the cheapest hardest seats in any half-ton, the cheap hard plastics, the cheap sound the doors make when you slam them shut, the cheap door latches that might not latch shut on the test drive.

If the newest F-150 is as great as you girls claim, I shouldn't be able to find 2018 F-150's with $10-13k off as easy as I am right now.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Dealers giving deals is a lot different than manufacturer rebates which Silverado has had the highest rebates all year. BTW, it still has not translated to sales. Maybe it's the shake? Maybe it's the hideous front end? IDK?

Posted by: 2.7EcoBoostRoost | Dec 28, 2017 9:21:19 PM

The GM half-tons are in their last year on the current platform. With an all-new truck less than a year away, it's not a surprise that incentives are high. It's the norm for the half-ton truck market. Do you know what isn't the norm? An F-150 that's the newest truck on the market, that's supposed to be the "most innovative", with a line of engines that just got updated for 2018, is struggling to compete for sales. Why is it that a truck that's so new and supposedly so far ahead of the competition, needing massive rebates? The aluminum body alone was supposed to decimate the steel-bodied competition.

Not impressive. Not at all. So much for the billions of dollars spent making the F-series out of Reynolds Wrap.

Posted by: Franklin | Dec 28, 2017 11:57:26 PM

lol. Silverado is 4 years old. F150 is 3 years old. Same diff.

Good luck with the year end press releases with zero metion of Silverado or Sierra sales.

Hahaha.

Posted by: Alex | Dec 29, 2017 1:45:48 AM

Alex you are a clueless fool. The current Silverado/Sierra is a lightly updated version of the GMT900, a platform that debuted in 2007. The only changes that occurred in 2014 was a body styling update that included more high strength seel, a new 4.3/5.3/6.2 derived from the new 6.2 LT1, and a new interior. The rest of the truck was a carryover. Same frame, same suspension, same transmission, etc. That's entirely different from what Ford did when they redesigned the F-150 for 2015. They designed a new frame, new cab, new bed, new interior, new suspension front and rear, and as of 2018, new engine lineup. And so far, not only has the 2015+ F-150 been a joke when it comes to performance -- it got its a55 kicked by the GM trucks in 2016 in the Texas Truck Showdown. The suspension is sloppy, saggy and loose. The engines are still unreliable. The fit and finish inside and out is terrible just as Franklin mentioned. The 4WD system really is a joke -- plastic gears in the front hubs and a vacuum actuator system is not only unreliable and weak, but a joke in 2017. The 2015-17 F-150 trucks without the 10 speed are a fuel economy laughingstock given all the hype surrounding the "military-grade aluminum alloys". You buy an aluminum Ford, either accepting that the aluminum is going to rip like tin foil, or you assume that "military-grade" means something, only to find out that not only is the aluminum weak and easy to damage, but you didn't gain much of any fuel economy from it. And don't forget, Ford has proven time and time again that they SUCK at painting aluminum. Go take a look at what Ford did for all the suckers that bought a Mustang in the last 20 years -- they're stuck with hoods covered in ugly aluminum oxide and paint that flakes off. Or how about all the Explorers with hoods and tailgates covered in ugly oxide after the paint peeled off. What a joke! Billions invested in aluminum bodies and not only are the beds pathetically weak, but the fuel economy gains are terrible and the towing performance sucks. And after all that, Ford still has to throw as much cash on the hood as they did with the old, slow and weak pre-2015 steel F-150.

Posted by: Brick | Dec 29, 2017 4:56:28 AM

@Franky,

You reiterated every point I made. You just put a pro GM twist on it. Hope you slept better. F-150 struggling to compete for sales? It's up over 10%, that is HUGE! I'll say it again, rebates and dealers selling at invoice are two different things. Selling at invoice means about $10,000 off the MSRP. If you pay more than that for any of the 3 domestic trucks you are less smart than I am already giving you credit for. The 2019 Ram and GM trucks will be selling at invoice after they gouge the first few knuckle head fanboys and girls like yourself whoare willing to pay sticker to be first. It's all brands of domestic trucks. I'm not saying being the #1 selling truck brand makes a brand better. You apparently think so with your hatred and jealousy. Maybe it's time you buy a Ford and see what all the fuss is about.

Posted by: 2.7EcoBoostRoost | Dec 29, 2017 5:16:31 AM

@2.7EcoBoostRoost..., back on December 20th GMSRGREAT did a similar thing, however he went further and proved my point..., maybe Franklin and Brick need to go back read that...., it’s an embarrassment to them GM fans, but hey, maybe they come from the same IP address...,

Posted by: The Lawn Ranger | Dec 29, 2017 6:29:59 AM

The only embarrassment is the 2015+ F-150. Ford talks about their trucks being tougher than ever but their "military grade" alloy bed got ripped apart like a pop can on national television, their engines have been worthless junk for 20 years and counting, their 4x4 system really is weak junk, and the suspension is so soft they make Ram's coil spring suspension look beefy. Stamped steel IFS? What happened to Ford overbuilding their trucks? Cheap ball joints and stamped steel control arms are not overbuilding them. Funny how many new 2.7 Ecoboosts are coming into the service department blowing blue smoke. Ford really cut corners on those cheap heads. 20k miles in and the valves guides are shot. No wonder they're promoting the 2.7 so much, a cheap engine like that makes those big $10k incentives a lot more sustainable. Too bad the suckers that paid money for them will be left with a throwaway, oil-burning engine with a timing chain rattle and a big bill from me when that warranty runs out LOL.

Posted by: ExFordGuy71 | Dec 29, 2017 4:37:26 PM

As far as Ford being the most up-to-date and the bed goes, it's true Fords are the most up-to-date but that commercial by Chevy was already debunked. But that's typical GM. Wasting money on crap videos to take shots at the competition, well Ford uses money to constantly update their trucks. Funny thing is Ford sales went up after the that commercial on national TV, and Chevy sales went down. Hahaha.

Posted by: All | Dec 29, 2017 9:24:31 PM

back on December 20th GMSRGREAT did a similar thing, however he went further and proved my point...

@GMSRGREAT..., You make me laugh..., There you go with the insults again..., I wonder how you are going to twist, deny, deflect, defend, the year-end sales figures. It will be fun calling you out for willful misrepresentation of the facts. What’s wrong with you??? Please Post Responsibly and Behave..., or get called out...

Posted by: The Lawn Ranger | Dec 30, 2017 12:42:20 PM

@GMSRGREAT..., And please don’t state that you only post the truth..., Just because you state something that nobody knows doesn’t make it true..., except in your own world...

Posted by: The Lawn Ranger | Dec 30, 2017 12:46:19 PM

@GMSRGREAT..., And please don’t state that you only post the truth..., Just because you state something that nobody knows doesn’t make it true..., except in your own world...

Posted by: The Lawn Ranger | Dec 30, 2017 12:46:19 PM

My world is reality and it happening all around you. Time for you to accept it.

Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Dec 30, 2017 2:05:48 PM

@GMSRGREAT..., See you at the year end sales figures..., Whereby, I will call out all your willful misrepresentations as lies..., Careful there..., liar...

Posted by: The Lawn Ranger | Dec 30, 2017 2:24:23 PM

@GMSRGREAT..., See you at the year end sales figures...,

Posted by: The Lawn Ranger | Dec 30, 2017 2:24:23 PM

What's your predictions?

Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Dec 30, 2017 2:43:44 PM

@GMSRGREAT..., See you at the year end sales figures...,

Posted by: The Lawn Ranger | Dec 30, 2017 2:24:23 PM

What's your predictions?

Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Dec 30, 2017 2:43:44 PM

Will, no response so here is mine.

GM builds trucks, Ford builds trucks, GM sells more trucks.

Posted by: the real GMSRGREAT | Dec 30, 2017 7:17:30 PM

@ Franky,

Chevy offering "employee pricing to everyone" on Silverado. up to $11,000 off. That is a factory rebate, not be confused with an aggressive dealer choosing to sell at invoice. Sales are dropping, "Like a Rock"!!

Posted by: 2.7EcoBoostRoost | Dec 31, 2017 1:01:05 PM

GM builds trucks, Ford builds trucks. There was Zero (0, 0) mention of Chevy Silverado in GM's 2016 year-end sales release, Ford had plenty to say about F-series. See you next week for the 2017 release.

Posted by: Dave B. | Dec 31, 2017 1:25:01 PM

Owned two Fords in my adult life and both had electrical gremlins which were puzzling. Second one had driveline problems as well that the Ford dealerships and corporate wouldn't fix even on extended warranty. Never...NEVER will I buy another one!

Posted by: Wayne | Dec 31, 2017 4:43:22 PM

Owned two Chevys in my adult life and both had electrical gremlins which were puzzling. Second one had driveline problems as well that the GM dealerships and corporate wouldn't fix even on extended warranty. Never...NEVER will I buy another one!

Posted by: Bob | Dec 31, 2017 5:58:03 PM

@Wayne: I believe you.
@Bob: LIAR!

Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Dec 31, 2017 6:18:04 PM

Sales are dropping, "Like a Rock"!!

Posted by: 2.7EcoBoostRoost | Dec 31, 2017 1:01:05 PM

HAHA yeah it looks like GM's total sales will be down slightly this year... yet they're still on track to sell more fullsize trucks than Ford did in 2012, 2013, 2014, or 2015. This might finally be the year Ford beats the record setting year GM had 2015 when they sold over 824k fullsize trucks. That year GM ended up outselling Ford by more than 44,000 fullsize trucks despite Ford having an all-new aluminum wonder truck. Ford went on the offensive early in 2016 by loading up fleet sales and employee pricing in 2016 and still fell 4k trucks short of the record GM set in 2015. Maybe 2017 will finally be the year Ford catches up to a couple of old (and soon to be replaced) GM trucks. So much for all those gimmicks and innovations you girls are always bragging up.

Posted by: Brawndo | Jan 1, 2018 7:11:59 PM

GM long ago stopped focusing on Sales for the sake of a sale and now looks at the quality of the business.
If RAM and Ford want to discount, they can. Chevrolet will sell you the better truck, but its going to cost you.